Lena Horne – the lady and her music
In today’s so-called celebrity culture, genuine star quality has become increasingly difficult to come by. True talent, beauty, style or the power to influence and inspire are all rare commodities these days. And as a package? Forget about it. Look back to the Forties however, and things were a little bit different. Stars shined, icons were born and history was made. Martha Hayes takes a look at the formidable Lena Horne.
The African American star of the Forties and Fifties silver screen with the heartbreakingly beautiful face and voice to match, was the first black performer to be signed by a Hollywood studio. Horn fought fervently over the decades against racial discrimination. A life, then, not so simple, but so significant, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. ‘My life has been about surviving,’ she once said. ‘Along the way, I also became an artist.’
Category: 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, Vintage news, Vintage Style Icons
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Thanks for a tribute to a star who deserves her hard-earned status as a role model.
Lena Horne is such a beautiful lady! Thank you for this story.
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”- Lena Horne
Another legendary singer from “The Greatest Generation” lost to us. Quite the groundbreaking woman. There will never be another quite like her. Sigh and sniffles.
She is such a stunning & talented woman. How could one even compare modern day “talent” with the likes of her? Lovely article.
A lovely tribute to a heroine, icon and national treasure.